11-9-99
Dear Ben Davis,
Since my last mail a lot of things have happened. Firstly, I got your
nice review. So, you don`t need looking for it any longer. Secondly, I
have seen Robert`s Memory Theatre one. I was very delighted both by its
construction and the smart adaptation of historical memory theatres. But
the most fascinating thing about Memory Theater One has been the icons or "egos"
which change their meaning with every new context / every new memory room.
The cross meanings of image and text and the complex layers of meaning
of each icon illustrate the arbitrary relationship between the
signifier and the signified. They also break down the closed
architectural setting of the memory theatre. Your reference to
Saussure`s theory of the signifier and the signified and Barthes`
Elements of Semiology is illuminative at this point.
So are your remarks on the art of memory as a kind of inclusive and
intense visualization. I`ve gotten the impression that this reception of
the art of memory is influenced by Marshall McLuhan, even though you
didn`t mention him directly. In the Gutenberg Galaxy as well as in his
review of Frances Yates` seminal book on the "ars memoriae" McLuhan`s
interest in mnemotechny especially is aimed at the "imagines",
respectively a polysemantic pictorial language. And already in the
Gutenberg Galaxy he pointed out that the "iconic mode" and therefore any
pictorial language will become more and more important in the era of
electronic media and information. You`ve stressed this aspect of the art
of memory too. Correspondingly, my question which aspect of it met with
a favorable reception is answered partially.
At present I am about to put my reflections on the linkage between the
art of memory, electronic media, and Robert`s Memory Theatre One on
paper. Although I have almost completed the puzzle, some parts are still
missing. And I rely on your support to get hold of them. Accordingly, I
would be most grateful if you could let me have a response to the
questions put down in my last mail ( ... Do you remember whether the
people at MIT (including Nicholas Negroponte) were acquainted with
Frances Yates` writings? Or did you introduce Robert Edgar`s artwork and
mnemotechny to them?)
You would really do me a great favor.
Thank you very much for your trouble.
With kind regards,
Kirsten